ShortScale.org

I've recently come across a chance to get a Blonde VM Hardtail Jazzmaster in a trade and I'm wondering if anyone has any input on the differences in sound between this model and the newer version with the vintage correct trem. For the record, I find the strat jack and bridge kind of unattractive but not totally off-putting and I really wouldn't use the trem or rhythm circuit much anyway. I'm mostly interested in whether or not the lack of string length behind the bridge totally alters the sound to the point where it doesn't remotely sound like a Jazzmaster anymore. I'd love to play both and compare them directly, but I haven't seen either of them in local stores so I don't think I'll have the chance to.

I think it's thinner than the real thing and pretty light. I've only played it in the store. I wasn't thrilled with the pickups, but I also played it through a crap amp.

The bridge works pretty well, I have the jag version like that.

The strat jack plate is pretty cool, because if the jack gets loose, you only have to take out those two screws to fix it.

the hardtail gives more sustain. It'll be slightly less "jazzmasterry" as the lack of sustain sort of gives it part of its charm, but it will still be plenty jazzmastery. I say go for the one with the trem, but if you're not gonna use the trem, then I guess this one will work fine for you

That's a good point about the lack of sustain, and I honestly kind of like that in the Squier VM Jags with the old bridges I've had a chance to play. The fact that notes got out of the way pretty quickly was nice, so maybe I should keep an eye out for one of the ones with a trem unless this guy gives me a great offer.

while the trem system on a jazzy won't yield quite as much sustain as a stoptail or string-through, there is still plenty available. it's the bridge you want to focus your attention on. you can add a lot more sustain by getting rid of the jazzy floating bridge (which is dog shit on the new squiers) for something more approaching a TOM or staytrem bridge. it will also add significantly more bass.

you should just get the newer squier in my opinion. the old ones are poorly conceived mish mashes.

George wrote:while the trem system on a jazzy won't yield quite as much sustain as a stoptail or string-through, there is still plenty available. it's the bridge you want to focus your attention on. you can add a lot more sustain by getting rid of the jazzy floating bridge (which is dog shit on the new squiers) for something more approaching a TOM or staytrem bridge. it will also add significantly more bass.

you should just get the newer squier in my opinion. the old ones are poorly conceived mish mashes.

Word. It sounds like I'd probably be happy with it for a couple weeks and then seek out ways to get my hands on the genuine article. Seems like I should hold off for the time being.